A mountain biker came face-to-face with a black bear while riding at Whistler Blackcomb.
Whistler Blackcomb‘s summer activities are bountiful, from stunning hikes to dining high in the alpine. The most well known activity is likely the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, often regarded as one of the best lift-accessed mountain bike parks in the world. Trails range from beginner flow trails to some of the hardest trails in Canada, stretching from the very base of the resort to the very summit.
Whistler is also known for its abundant wildlife. Around 40 black bears and cubs call Whistler and Blackcomb mountains their home, with the animals often showing themselves from the Whistler Village Gondola. In fact, Whistler offers a bear viewing tour with bear experts for those hoping to grab a good look.
With mountain bike trails and black bears spread across the mountain, interactions between bikers and black bears aren’t unheard of. Biker Will Lewis had an intense face-to-face interaction with a black bear while riding, with the black bear bluff charging at the biker before he manages to startle it off with loud shouts.
Face-to-face encounters with bears are intense no matter the type of bear, but Will acted pretty well given the incident. If a black bear approaches you, you should give the bear as much space as possiblbe, back away slowly, and speak calmly and firmly to show that you aren’t a threat. Read more on bear safety in Whistler below.
Whistler Bear Safety Guidelines:
Both black bears and grizzly bears live in Whistler. Bears prefer to avoid people; even if a bear appears comfortable, stay at least 100 metres away. Bears can be motivated to go near people if they smell food or a scent they believe is edible.
Trail tips:
- make noise by clapping or talking loudly to make sure any nearby bears will hear you
- travel in a group of four or more when hiking, especially in grizzly habitat
- avoid trails at dawn and dusk
- carry bear spray and understand how to use it
- keep dogs under control and on leash — dogs can provoke defensive behaviour in bears
- never feed a bear
If you see a bear:
- give the bear as much space as possible; back away slowly
- check around for other bears, cubs or a food source
- back away slowly the way you came or give the bear a very wide berth, if you must continue
- speak calmly and firmly to show you aren’t threatening
If you come across a bear, whether it’s a black bear or a grizzly bear, you should give the animal as much space as possible and back away slowly the way you came. The mountain biker in this video attempts to do exactly that, backing away from the bear after coming to a stop. Read more on bear safety in Whistler below.
